Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:1-5 This Present Evil Age Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:1-5

This Present Evil Age Galatians 1:4 Jesus sacrificed Himself to rescue us Period (era) in which we live, Matthew 28:20 Age to come, Mark 10:30

“World” kosmos: The system of evil in opposition to God; the dominion of Satan, 1 John 2:15 aiōn: Period of time (Matthew 28:20); The spiritual and moral traits of an age “Forever and ever,” Galatians 1:5

“Aion is always to be distinguished from kosmos, even where the two seem to express the same idea.” (Vine, II:685) 1 Corinthians 3:18-19: Wisdom of age (aiōn) defined by the world (kosmos) – Oppose God Ephesians 2:2: lit., “the age of this world” – Course of life that opposes God

This Present Evil Age Satan is its God, 2 Cor. 4:3 (Rom. 6:16) Our fight is against him and his forces, “the rulers of the darkness of this age” The powers that exist in this present, evil world, Ephesians 6:11-12

This Present Evil Age Sons of this age are shrewd, Luke 16:8 We must be wise, yet harmless (Matt. 10:16) How they promote and spread evil Assimilate the naïve (Romans 16:18)

Sons of this Present Evil Age Redefine sin to accommodate self, pleasure, and personal comfort, Isaiah 5:20-21 Can have a profound influence on God’s people, Amos 6:1

Sons of this Present Evil Age Preach tolerance and diversity for the sake of peace, Jeremiah 6:14 Can have a profound influence on God’s people, Jeremiah 6:16; Zephaniah 1:12 Standards gradually shift to acceptance Militancy for truth wanes, even evil-spoken of by Christians, 2 Cor. 11:2-4; Galatians 4:16

Sons of this Present Evil Age Preach circumstances (situations) over moral accountability, and liberty over conviction, 2 Peter 2:18-19 Dialogue and dispute, but never come to know God and His truth, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; Acts 17:21; 2 Timothy 3:7

Sons of this Present Evil Age Finally, such compromise accepts and embraces evil, and falls away from God Demas loved present age, 2 Timothy 4:10 Entangled and overcome, 2 Peter 2:19-20

How to Live in this Present Evil Age (Titus 2:11-12) Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, 1 John 2:15-17; 1 Peter 4:1-6 Live soberly, righteously and godly Soberly: Moderation and discretion, Titus 2:2, 5 Righteously: Justice, fairness, Romans 13:8-10 Godly: With piety, 2 Timothy 2:22

How to Live in this Present Evil Age (Titus 2:11-12) Do not assimilate to this world (age), but be transformed in mind to do the will of God, Romans 12:2 Renew (renovate) thinking, Ephesians 4:17-24 Shaped by truth, not the age, John 18:38 – 17:17 Priorities, not distractions of this age, Mark 4:19 (Matthew 6:33-34); 1 Timothy 6:17-19

How to Live in this Present Evil Age (Titus 2:11-12) Seek and follow the wisdom (word) of God Instead of the wisdom of this age and its rulers, 1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (1:20-21); 3:18 Put on the whole armor of God, and fight! Ephesians 6:10-17 (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

This Present Evil Age Intends to destroy your faith Not build you up in your “most holy faith,” Jude 20-21 Preserve yourselves in love, and look for the mercy of God unto eternal life Not the life of this age that is passing away

This Present Evil Age Do the will of God from the heart Not the evil of this age from an evil heart of unbelief, Romans 12:2 (Hebrews 3:12)